Newly-appointed Everton manager Frank Lampard has showered praise on Super Eagles winger Alex Iwobi for his performance in Saturday's 3-0 victory over Leeds United.
Iwobi completed all 90 minutes for the Toffees against Marcelo Bielsa's side, the first time the Nigerian international has played from start to finish since December 2021.
Lampard reveals Iwobi trained well to deserve start
In his post-match comments, Lampard noted that Iwobi had trained well and was rewarded with a starting berth because the 25-year-old deserved it.
"One of the beauties of coming in like this is it's a restart for everybody. What Alex has done is trained at a great level. He demanded a place in the team with his performance," Lampard stated.
He needs to believe in himself, I do - Lampard on Iwobi
The former Chelsea manager then praised Iwobi's performance at Goodison Park as Everton snapped a six-game winless run in the league with an emphatic triumph over Leeds United.
Lampard enthused: "He had to do a lot of work off the ball & he did everything. Iwobi demanded a place in the team with his performance, and he just needs to believe in himself. I certainly believe in him."
Iwobi was making his first league start for Everton since starting against Wolverhampton Wanderers on November 1, 2021, but the Nigerian playmaker showed no signs of rustiness as he completed 82.9% of his passes, created five chances and made 5 key passes.
Lampard and his boys will travel to St Mary's Stadium next Saturday to face Southampton before hosting league leaders Manchester City on Saturday, February 26, 2022.